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Meeting Thurgood Marshall: A Historical Figure – What is a historical figure? – Thurgood Marshall’s importance – First African American Supreme Court Justice – His fight for equality – Worked hard to ensure all people are treated fairly – Remembering his legacy – His actions still impact us today | Begin the lesson by discussing the concept of historical figures, emphasizing that these are people who have done important things that we remember and learn from. Introduce Thurgood Marshall as a key historical figure, explaining his role as the first African American Supreme Court Justice and his tireless efforts to achieve equality for all people. Highlight his contributions to civil rights and how his work continues to affect our lives. Encourage students to think about the qualities that make someone a historical figure and why it’s important to learn about these individuals. Use simple language and relatable examples to help second graders grasp the significance of Thurgood Marshall’s achievements.

Who Was Thurgood Marshall? – First African American Supreme Court Justice – Broke barriers in the U.S. legal system – Born on July 2, 1908, in Baltimore – His birthday can be remembered as a special day – Fought for equality and justice – Worked to ensure everyone is treated fairly – A hero in American history | Thurgood Marshall was a significant figure in American history, known for his legal brilliance and his commitment to the cause of civil rights. As the first African American Supreme Court Justice, he broke racial barriers and served as an inspiration for many. Born in the early 20th century, his life’s work was dedicated to fighting for the rights of all people to be treated equally under the law. When discussing Marshall, emphasize his role in key civil rights cases and his lasting impact on the justice system. Encourage students to see him as a role model and to understand the importance of equality and justice in our society.

Thurgood Marshall’s Early Years – Thurgood: A smart, playful child – He loved learning and sometimes played pranks. – Education in a diverse school – He was one of the few African American kids at his school. – Dream of fighting injustice – Thurgood wanted to become a lawyer to help people treated unfairly. | This slide introduces Thurgood Marshall’s early life to second-grade students. Emphasize that Thurgood was a bright and playful child, which makes him relatable to the students. Highlight his experience in a school where he stood out due to his race, which can be a starting point for discussions on diversity and inclusion. Explain his aspiration to become a lawyer as a way to fight against injustice, simplifying the concept of ‘unfair laws’ for their understanding. Encourage students to think about what they want to be when they grow up and how they can help others, just like Thurgood Marshall wanted to.

Marshall’s Fight for Justice – Worked at the NAACP – NAACP stands for National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. – Won Brown v. Board case – This important case made it illegal to have separate schools for black and white children. – Fought for equal rights – Thurgood Marshall believed that all people, no matter their skin color, should have the same rights. – Believed in fairness for all | Thurgood Marshall was a significant figure in the fight for civil rights and justice. He worked for the NAACP, an organization that aimed to eliminate race-based discrimination. Through his legal expertise, he played a pivotal role in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, which led to the desegregation of schools in America. His belief in equality and fairness under the law was a guiding principle in his efforts to ensure that all individuals received equal treatment. When discussing this slide, emphasize Marshall’s dedication to justice and how his work helped change the laws to be fairer for everyone. Encourage students to think about the importance of treating others equally and how Marshall’s work still impacts their lives today.

Thurgood Marshall’s Legacy – First African American Supreme Court Justice – Thurgood Marshall broke barriers in 1967 – Served for 24 years on the court – His long service saw many significant rulings – Made decisions for fairness – His work aimed to treat all people equally under the law – Helped make America more equal – His influence continues to inspire justice and equality | Thurgood Marshall was a trailblazer in American history, becoming the first African American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. During his 24 years of service, he was known for his dedication to civil rights and ensuring that the American legal system treated everyone fairly. His decisions helped to dismantle racial segregation and discrimination, contributing to a more just and equitable society. When discussing Marshall’s legacy with second graders, emphasize his role in making America a fairer place and how his work still impacts our lives today. Use simple language and relatable concepts to help them understand the importance of equality and justice.

Remembering Thurgood Marshall – Thurgood Marshall’s legacy – He was a great judge who passed away in 1993. – Standing up for what’s right – He fought for equality and taught us to do the same. – Treating everyone fairly – Being kind and fair to all people, like he was. – Honoring his memory | Thurgood Marshall was an important figure in American history, serving as the first African American Supreme Court Justice. He passed away in 1993, but his contributions to civil rights and equality continue to impact society. He is remembered for his courage in standing up against injustice and teaching others the importance of fairness. In this lesson, we honor his legacy by learning to treat everyone with respect, just as he did. Encourage students to think of ways they can show fairness and respect in their daily lives, reflecting on Marshall’s principles.

Class Activity: Be a Justice like Thurgood Marshall! – Pretend to be justices in court – Engage in a mock trial – We’ll simulate a court case and you’ll be the judge! – Think about fair decision-making – Consider everyone’s side before deciding – Reflect on Thurgood Marshall’s impact – How did Marshall ensure justice for all? | This activity is designed to give students a practical understanding of Thurgood Marshall’s role as a justice and the importance of fair decision-making in the judicial system. Set up a simple mock trial in the classroom, assigning roles to students as justices, lawyers, and parties involved in the case. Provide a simple, age-appropriate scenario for the trial. Encourage students to listen to all sides and think critically about what is fair, mirroring the thought process a judge might go through. After the activity, lead a discussion on how Thurgood Marshall would have approached the case, emphasizing his dedication to equality and justice. This will help students appreciate the significance of his contributions to American history.